The Bridge

Chapter 3

Aubrey

When I made it to the hotel that I would be calling home for the next week and a half, all I could do was think about Aurelia. I wanted to text her as soon as I made it to my suite but didn't want to come off as too eager. I literally just spent time with her not even a hour ago. I also didn't want too much time to pass and not have an opportunity to see her again given I wont be in state for long. Hell, I wont even be in the country. We could make this work. I mean Detroit is only a hour and a half flight to Toronto. She can come see me, I can come see her. Why am even entertaining this idea right now? I just met the girl. She is super chill though. I like that. "Fuck it, I'm gonna text her", I mumbled to myself.

iMessage

Fri, Sept. 6, 10:59pm

Aubrey: Hey Lia, it's Aubrey. I just wanted to make sure u made it home safe?

Lia: Hi, I did. I appreciate you checking up on me, very sweet of you. ☺️

Aubrey: Of course. U knew I would though. U know you got me hooked already. 😏

Lia: hahahaha wow!! If I didn't think you were a fuckboy before, I definitely do now. 😂😂😂

Aubrey: 😂😂😂😂

Aubrey: what?! U don't think that! Seriously?!

Lia: Yeah I do think that, lol.

Aubrey: when could I have given
the impression of me being a fuckboy?

Aubrey: I thought I was being a proper gentleman, I'm starting to take offense.Lol

Lia:...you came back into a restaurant to hit on me not even 5 minutes after your date was over. Thats a fuckboy, all damn day. 😒

Fri, Sept. 6, 11:30 pm

Lia: Lol oh no, are you ghosting me already?! Yup, he's a fuckboy. 😂

Fri, Sept. 6, 11:35 pm

Aubrey: hahahaha no I just hopped out of the shower. I would never ghost a beauty like you. U right tho, that was some suspect ass shit I pulled, I don't regret it though. 😏

Lia: 🙄🙄

Lia: See, there it is again. You "just" got out the shower, huh? Look at you trying to create some imagery. You just cant stop can you? It's a force within you. Is there a light saber emoji I don't know about? That would have fit perfectly here...😉

Aubrey: 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Aubrey: this conversation took a turn...lol, I just wanted to express to you that I enjoyed myself tonight. I even enjoyed this conversation, I haven't laughed this much in a minute. This is not me tryna be smooth either, I mean it.

Lia: Lol...I enjoyed myself too.

Lia: well I really do need to go to bed. Goodnight. 😊

Aubrey: will do, night beautiful.

My smile widened as I got comfortable in bed and reread our text thread. She is mad funny and doesn't take herself too seriously which I can appreciate. I would say this was a successful first meeting. It was definitely the best one I have ever had with a female I was interested in. My mind lingering on that last thought, I closed my eyes to try and get some sleep.

Aurelia

I woke up the next morning dreading life. I hate working weekends. I know of fifty other things I could be doing on a Saturday. Most of those things I truly wouldn't do. I'm a homebody to my core but I really couldn't afford to miss this meeting, it was mandatory after all.

I walked into my bathroom, flipped a switch and squinted at how bright the lights were. I proceeded to do my morning routine once my eyes adjusted. This was probably one of my favorite parts of the day. I am obsessed with skincare. I haven't always had good skin and it took many dermatologist visits and products to figure out what was right for me but when my routine was perfected I made sure to maintain my results to the best of my ability.

Mornings like this, the type when I absolutely knew work was going to stress me the fuck out made me wish I had a bathtub but a shower will do fine. The warm water caressed my scalp as I was washing my hair. The floral scented conditioner in combination with the radiating steam had me completely relaxed.

My thoughts soon turned to Aubrey. I had fun teasing him both times last night but as much as I was joking about his behavior a part of me was concerned. He was a gentleman but a fuckboy can be a gentleman until he gets what he wants. I don't need a certified lover boy in my life but I truly did enjoy his company. He was fun. I don't know many men that will let you call them names, kidding or not, without them eventually losing their shit. That at least let me know he was confident in who is was and me calling him what I did didn't phase him in the slightest. Granted, the world is plagued by double standards and as a man he probably never felt the weight of derogatory terms like women do. For men, that shit is a badge of honor.

After my work meeting, I came home anxious to get my shoes and bra off. I love a good heel and whatnot but that shit was meant for short distances and sit down occasions only in my opinion. I have always admired the women who wore them like a second skin though. Walking into my small closet I admired my collection of sneakers. I really do need a new apartment with space to expand into. My lease will be up shortly and I have been so busy with work that I have not had the time to look. Maybe Aris would come with me. Apartment shopping is always more fun with a partner. Thinking of my best friend made me pick up my phone to give her a call. I never did get back to her the other night after texting her about my Aubrey encounter at the restaurant. The phone rang but I didn't have to wait long for her to answer.

"Hey Aris... No bitch, I didn't sleep with him, why would you even ask me that?!...It hasn't been that long since I have gotten dick!... Has not!... I don't know the size of it, I wasn't about to stare at the mans crotch... Yeah Aris, I will be sure get his shoe size the next time I see him, I can totally work that into conversation... Can we please talk about something else?...Uh-huh, yeah no, I will not be doing that the next time I see him...Bitch, I am hanging up now, bye...Wait, I was gonna try and check out some new apartments today, did you want to come?!... Oh no, well okay... I love you too, bye". Ugh, I guess I am on my own in my search. Oh well.

Aris is a trip. I remember when we first met in grade school. I was more on the shy side and Aris was so loud you could hear her voice while you were at the other end of the hall. People always picked on me. I already didn't have a great home life. Mix that with a poor school environment and...well lets just say I have had some depressive moments and she has gone to bat for me; more times than I can count.

I am very proud of the woman she has grown to become. At 26 she has a master's degree in communications and she is the mother of a beautiful three year old girl named Nia who could be her twin. They have the same rich skin tone the color of expresso, beautiful 4C hair, cute button noses, full lips and gorgeous hazel eyes that melt you. I feel bad for Aris though, when Nia grows up the boys will certainly be calling especially if Nia ends up with all the knock out curves Aris posses.

My phone vibrated in my hand knocking me out of my reverie. I raised my phone to get a closer look and smiled.